Minoxidil Dosages for Hair Loss: A Guide

When it comes to science-backed hair loss treatments, minoxidil is something of a Swiss army knife. This effective, FDA-approved medication can treat male pattern baldness and some other types of hair loss. But, like with most medications, you have to take it correctly — so, what’s the correct minoxidil dosage for hair loss?

In short, it generally depends on whether you’re using topical minoxidil or oral minoxidil for hair loss. 

We can answer all your questions about the best minoxidil dosage for hair loss, whether you’re taking it topically or orally. We’ll also look at some common side effects of topical and oral minoxidil.

Let’s dig in!

Minoxidil comes in two forms: a topical treatment applied directly to the scalp and an oral tablet. When used correctly, both forms of minoxidil can slow down hair loss — in fact, it can even stimulate hair regrowth in some situations. 

But your minoxidil dosage will depend on the form you use. 

Dosage of Topical Minoxidil for Hair Loss

Topical minoxidil can come as a foam or as a liquid solution. Both formulations are effective for treating hair loss. 

If you use the topical solution, apply 1 milliliter (mL) to the scalp twice daily. For minoxidil foam, you should apply half a capful to your scalp twice a day. Don’t exceed this dosage unless a healthcare provider specifically tells you to. 

You may notice that there are different potencies of minoxidil. Most topical minoxidil treatments may contain 2% or 5% minoxidil, although you get some very potent varieties too.  

But regardless of the strength, you shouldn’t use a higher dosage than described above. A milliliter or half a capful, twice a day — that’s it. 

What happens if you miss a day of minoxidil? While minoxidil only works for as long as you use it, skipping a day won’t do much damage. Continue using minoxidil as usual, and avoid doubling your dosage the next day. 

Both minoxidil foam and minoxidil solution are over-the-counter treatments, so you can purchase minoxidil online without a prescription.

Dosage of Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss

While minoxidil tablets are usually used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), some healthcare professionals may also prescribe low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss. 

In this case, your healthcare provider will give you specific directions on your dosage based on your unique needs. 

The recommended dose generally ranges from:

• 0.25 to 1.25 mg a day for the treatment of female pattern hair loss

• 2.5 to 5 mg a day for male pattern hair loss

Confused about your dosage? Consult with your pharmacist or the healthcare provider that prescribed it for you. 

Minoxidil, also known by the brand name Rogaine®, is a vasodilator, which is a drug that widens blood vessels. It was initially used as an antihypertensive, meaning it lowers blood pressure, but researchers found that it also increased hair growth.

Minoxidil is one of two medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hair loss. The other is called finasteride.   

Minoxidil works by stimulating blood flow to the hair follicles and pushing your hair follicles into the anagen phase, or growth phase, of the hair growth cycle. 

This means that minoxidil encourages your hair to grow for a longer period. Cool, right?

As a result, minoxidil works for many types of hair loss, including:

• Androgenetic alopecia, which is another name for both male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss

• Alopecia areata, an autoimmune hair disorder where your immune system attacks your hair follicles

• Telogen effluvium, which can be caused by severe physical and psychological stress

• Traction alopecia, which is caused by pressure on your hair from tight hairstyles and rough styling techniques

There’s plenty of research to prove minoxidil works. A small study found that 5% minoxidil foam was more effective than a placebo for hair regrowth at the crown (or back of the head) and the hairline. 

A 48-week clinical trial compared 5% and 2% minoxidil in almost 400 men with male pattern baldness. The 5% minoxidil solution resulted in 45 percent more hair regrowth than the 2% topical minoxidil. Those using the 5% dosage saw hair growth sooner. 

So, in short, minoxidil is pretty effective for hair loss!

But if you want it to be even more effective for treating male pattern hair loss, you might benefit from using a combination of minoxidil and finasteride. 

We offer a prescription-only two-in-one topical finasteride & minoxidil spray, specially developed to help slow down male pattern hair loss and boost hair density.  

While minoxidil is pretty safe, it has possible adverse effects, like any drug.

When you first start taking minoxidil, you might have some temporary hair shedding. But this side effect will go away as you keep using minoxidil, so patience is key.

Topical minoxidil application can sometimes lead to other side effects, like:

• Skin irritation on the scalp

• Worsening of seborrheic dermatitis, which can cause dandruff

• Allergic contact dermatitis

• Isolated pruritus (itchy skin without an accompanying rash)

As you can imagine, the side effects of minoxidil differ depending on whether you’re using an oral or topical version.

Although the safety of low-dose oral minoxidil is well-established, there are some possible side effects, including:

• Low blood pressure

• Edema (fluid retention or swelling)

• Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth anywhere on the body) 

• Lightheadedness

• Tachycardia (faster heart rate)

• Weight gain

In rarer cases, minoxidil tablets can cause chest pain and heart failure. 

It’s always important to stick to your prescribed dosage. If you take too much minoxidil, you’re more likely to experience side effects.

If you think you’re experiencing any side effects from using minoxidil, speak with your prescribing healthcare provider, as they might have to lower your dosage. 

Hair loss can be one of life's big curveballs, but medications like minoxidil can go a long way in helping you manage it. Minoxidil, an FDA-approved hair loss treatment, is effective at treating several types of hair loss. 

• Minoxidil can come in oral or topical form. Although topical minoxidil is most commonly used to treat hair loss, some dermatologists prescribe oral minoxidil for hair loss.

• Topical minoxidil can be in the form of a foam or a solution. The most common minoxidil dosage is half a capful twice daily for foam or 1 mL twice daily in solution form. 

• The dosage of oral minoxidil pills is a little more variable. Depending on your unique needs, your healthcare provider might prescribe 0.25 to 5 mg a day for hair loss.  

“How” is just as important as “how much,” so in addition to making sure you’re using the right dosage, you should check out our guide on how to use topical minoxidil. We also have a guide on how to apply minoxidil foam.

When treating hair loss, it’s a good idea to chat with a professional. We can help you connect you with a healthcare provider online to get some expert advice on hair loss treatments that will work for you.